Summer Camp Caregiver Handbook 2022 - Mystic Aquarium
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Summer Camp
Caregiver Handbook
2022
1Welcome to summer camp at Mystic Aquarium! This handbook contains information which will be helpful as you and
your camper prepare for camp. With health and safety as our number one priority, we are happy to provide unique and
memorable summer camp experiences. Mystic Aquarium offers the perfect environment to enjoy and explore animals
while having outdoor adventures in nature. In addition, each camp will have its own dedicated classroom within the
Milne Ocean Science and Conservation Center, which is separated from the public, to continue learning and exploration.
In accordance with the State of Connecticut requirements for youth camps, Mystic Aquarium has established stringent
guidelines to ensure camper and educator safety. Mystic Aquarium Summer Camps are fully licensed by the state of
Connecticut and are also accredited by the American Camp Association. Our amazing adult staff are eagerly awaiting the
excitement of camp and are all trained for those unexpected emergencies (CPR/AED/First Aid), should they arise.
The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation,
education, and research.
The mission of the Mystic Aquarium Summer Camp program is to educate and motivate campers of all ages to care for
and protect our ocean planet.
I am sure your camper will have a wonderful experience this summer while attending their Mystic Aquarium Summer
Camp. I look forward to seeing them all enjoy this camp season.
Becky Hirsh
Camp Director
INFORMATION FOUND IN THIS HANDBOOK
Subject or Topic Page Number
Accreditations and Staff Training 3
Registration for Camp 3
Required Camp Paperwork 4
Camp Contact Information 4
Payment Receipt and Tax ID 5
Cancellation and Refund 5
Bathroom Requirements 5
Staff to Youth Ratios 5
General Illness Policy 5
Camper Injury/Illness During Camp 6
Exposure to Natural Elements 6
Covid-19 Information 6-7
Check-in and Pick-up Procedures 7
Emergency Evacuation Pick-Up Information 7
What Camps and Programs are We Offering? 8
Camp Sessions by Week – Final Due Date for Camp Forms 9
What Will My Camper Need to Bring? 10
Address for Camp Locations 10
Check-In and Pick-Up Location Chart 11
Discipline Policy 12
2ACCREDITATIONS AND STAFF TRAINING
The health and safety of your camper is of the utmost importance at Mystic Aquarium summer camps.
To ensure the highest standards are being met, Mystic Aquarium summer camps are accredited through the
American Camp Association (www.acacamps.org) as well as licensed by the State of Connecticut
(https://www.ct.gov/oec). To obtain certification as a state licensed youth camp, we undergo an extensive
review and inspection process to affirm that we exceed all state requirements for health, cleanliness, and food
service as well as emergency management plans, health care, management, staff training and performance
review. Accreditation through the American Camp Association is a voluntary process that goes above and
beyond the state licensing requirements and demonstrates Mystic Aquarium’s commitment to ensuring your
child is in a safe, nurturing environment. Only 75 camps in Connecticut are currently accredited through ACA.
All camp counselors and staff employed by Mystic Aquarium summer camps are required to be over the age of
21 and have experience working with youth. Each staff member is certified in First Aid, CRP/AED, and
Medication Administration. All summer camp staff members are screened and have successfully passed
reference and background checks. Additionally, camp staff members receive extensive training in classroom
management, developmentally appropriate curriculum, facility protocols for safety and performance, conduct
working with children and child protection.
REGISTRATION FOR CAMP
HOW DO I REGISTER MY CHILD?
Registration is completed online at www.mysticaquarium.org. If you need assistance, please contact the Education
department at educationinfo@mysticaquarium.org or call 860-572-5955 ext. 431.
In an effort to consolidate and ensure camper health information security, we use the electronic health record system
CampDoc.com for all required paperwork. The Camp Director will send you a welcome email when your CampDoc
login credentials are available; you will not be able to log into CampDoc until you receive this email. All registered
campers will then receive a follow up email from CampDoc.com with detailed instructions on how to log in, submit
required health forms, and paperwork. The website is secure, encrypted, and password protected. If you have used
CampDoc.com in the past, the previous year’s information will be visible, and you will be able to update it as needed.
All camp paperwork is due no later than one week prior to the start of your camp week session to prevent your child
from missing out on any camp time.
CAN I CHANGE MY CAMP SESSION AFTER I HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED?
Yes, camp session dates can be changed with at least two weeks advanced notice prior to the start of the camp session,
and as space allows. We will need to have this in writing. Please contact the Education department at
educationinfo@mysticaquarium.org with you request.
WHAT IF I DO NOT WANT TO TURN IN MY PAPERWORK EARLY?
If paperwork is not received at least one week in advance, or if you are providing medication for your camper, you will
finalize the paperwork with the camp director prior to check-in. Campers will not be allowed to participate in camp
unless all their paperwork is complete. If there are any forms missing, your camper will miss part, or all the first day of
camp as we work to get the necessary paperwork completed.
Forms submitted to CampDoc.com or the Camp Director less than a week before camp starting may not be available at
check-in, resulting in a delay to your camper attending camp. To avoid this issue, turn your forms in at least one week
prior to the start of your camp week. Thank you for your assistance.
3REQUIRED CAMP PAPERWORK FOR MYSTIC AQUARIUM CAMPS
Camper Information Contact, emergency information and health history Parent Signature
required
Medical Paperwork Recent Physical and vaccination record – school health record Doctor’s signature
completed within 3 years is accepted. required
Administration of If Applicable. Permission for Aquarium staff to administer Doctor’s signature
Medication medication. All medication must be in original containers. required
Individual Plan of Care If Applicable. Complete the Individual Plan of Care form for your Parent Signature
camper for special health care needs, behavioral issues, or other Required
considerations.
Informed Consent and This is currently recommended by the State of CT. Parent Signature
Camper Health Completed by all required
Affirmation
Family Program Forms Contact, emergency information and health history of child and Parent Signature
adult. required
*ITINERARY: All camp participants will receive an itinerary via email prior to the start of camp. The itinerary provides an
outline of possible activities, including planned special activities and items your child may need for each day.
Please note that activities may change due to unforeseen circumstances. If this occurs, the parents will be notified by
the Camp Director or via a text through the CampDoc system.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Call the Mystic Aquarium main line and then dial the appropriate extension. Camp Offices are staffed during regular
business hours (7:45am-5:00pm), Monday through Friday. All calls and messages left on weekends, after hours and on
holidays will be returned within the next business day.
Name Title Phone Number or Email and other information
Extension
Please call this number first during
Camp Cell Phone 7:45am-5:00pm 860-625-2104
camp hours
Aquarium Main Line 860-572-5955
Becky Hirsh Camp Director Ext 158 bhirsh@mysticaquarium.org
MaryEllen Mateleska Alternate Camp Director Ext 156 mmateleska@mysticaquarium.org
Kelly Matis Alternate Camp Director Ext 320 educationinfo@mysticaquarium.org
Education Dept. Ext 431 educationinfo@mysticaquarium.org
Do not hesitate to contact us for any of the following:
1. You are running late or there is traffic.
2. Your camper is not feeling well and will not attend camp that day.
3. You unexpectedly need to pick your camper up early. (Please note that it may take more than 15 minutes to get
your camper to you in the event of an unscheduled early pick-up as the campers move throughout the
Aquarium)
4. You have a question about the activities.
5. Another person will be picking up your camper – they will need to have ID.
6. You have a concern or constructive feedback.
4PAYMENT RECEIPT & TAX ID
RECEIPT OF PAYMENT FOR SUMMER CAMP AND FEDERAL TAX ID:
Many parents will use their flexible spending account to pay for summer camp. The confirmation letter, which you
receive via email when you register your camper, is your receipt of payment for the camp session. If you need a receipt
from the Camp Director, please notify the Director on the first day of your camp week.
The federal tax ID for Mystic Aquarium is: 06-1480300
CANCELLATION and REFUND POLICY
Contact the Education department directly at educationinfo@mysticaquarium.org regarding cancellations and
refunds. We will need to have your request in writing as soon as you know you need to cancel.
Our standard refund/cancellation policy is as follows:
30 days or more from the start of the camp week - 100% refund
29 - 15 days from the start of the camp week - 80% refund
14 days or less from the start of the camp week – For 2022, refunds requested for cancelling camp, leaving camp early
or not attending camp under extenuating circumstances, within the 14 day time frame prior to a camp’s start date, will
be considered on a case by case basis at the Camp Director’s discretion. A minimum of 20% of the camp fee will be
withheld by the aquarium, depending on the circumstances.
BATHROOM REQUIREMENTS
Campers in all camps, and programs without caregivers, must be toilet trained to be able to attend.
STAFF TO YOUTH RATIOS
Ages 3-5 1:6 ratio Ages 6-8 1:8 ratio Ages 9-16 1-10 ratio
GENERAL ILLNESS POLICY
Call the camp cell phone at 860-625-2104 prior to check-in at 8:15am and leave a message if your camper is ill or will
miss camp for the day. After check-in is complete, a camp staff member will call the parents of any camper not in
attendance to verify that they will not attend camp that day, unless a message has been left on this phone.
To provide a healthy camp environment for all, please keep your camper home if there are any signs of illness. Campers
may not participate in camp if they exhibit any of the following conditions:
• Fever (over 100° Fahrenheit) within the past 24 hours of the camp’s start time.
• Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours of the camp’s start time.
• Any contagious disease.
• Suspicious rashes or lesions with bleeding or oozing.
• Lice or other infestation. A doctor’s note verifying no infestation is required to be able to return to camp.
• Conditions preventing a camper from active participation such as lethargy, sleepiness, constant coughing, and
runny nose.
• Has been exposed to a COVID-19 positive person within the past 14 days.
5CAMPER INJURY and ILLNESS DURING CAMP
IN THE CASE OF INJURY OR ILLNESS WHILE CAMP IS IN SESSION:
In the event your camper is injured, or becomes ill during the camp day, the Camp Director or Camp Counselor will
contact the emergency phone number which has been provided on the morning sign-in sheet. The camp staff member
will explain the injury/illness, and how it was treated. It will be determined at that time if the camper will stay for the
duration of the camp day or leave early. If the camper is ill, pick-up time will be discussed. At pick-up time, camp staff
will discuss with the guardian the injury/illness and verify the treatment. Any camper sent home from camp due to an
illness must remain symptom free for 24 hours before returning to camp, unless given written permission by a physician.
EXPOSURE TO NATURAL ELEMENTS POLICY
Mystic Aquarium camp staff members are not permitted to apply any type of non-medicated/non-prescription topical
lotion or spray to children (for example, sunscreen, tick/bug spray, moisturizers, and lip ointment) without permission,
supply, and instructions from caregivers. It is the caregivers’ responsibility to apply any type of non-medicated/non-
prescription topical lotion or spray to children prior to the camp day to reduce risk of exposure to sun and ticks while
outdoors. If written permission, supply, and directions are provided, camp staff will apply the non-medicated/non-
prescription topical lotion or spray to non-sensitive areas while in view of other staff. These items should not be
accessible to children, so please notify staff if your child has them. If a tick is found crawling on a student, a staff
member can remove it. If the tick is attached or embedded in the student, per state regulations, the caregiver will be
contacted to remove the tick. It is the caregivers’ responsibility to check their child for ticks daily.
COVID-19 SPECIFIC INFORMATION
In accordance with the State of Connecticut requirements for youth camps, Mystic Aquarium has established the
following guidelines to ensure camper and instructor safety for this summer. This will be updated as necessary.
• Campers are required to have the Informed Consent and Camper Health Affirmation completed for the first day
of camp.
• Camper families will abide by the CT Travel Advisory.
• Camp lunches, provided by caregivers, are required to include an ice pack to keep the lunches cool. There are no
coolers available during camp for lunches.
• Our camp group size is regulated by the CT OEC and will adhere to current guidelines. At present, they will have
a maximum of 18 campers with dedicated instructors. Each camp group will be completely independent and will
not mix with other camp groups.
• Each morning all staff and children will be screened for any observable illness, including cough or respiratory
distress, and to confirm their temperature is below 100° F. Staff or children who have a temperature greater
than 100° will not be permitted into the program.
• During check-in, staff will record the camper’s temperature as Pass/Fail, phone number for the day, pick up
information and initial for the sign in.
• If a camper develops any symptoms during the camp day, they will be moved immediately to a dedicated,
isolated area to await pick up.
• Staff will always wear face coverings while working with campers indoors. Staff may remove their face coverings
when they are outdoors and can socially distance. Exceptions will be made for anyone with documentation, as
6outlined by State regulations, that wearing a face covering would be contrary to his or her health or safety
because of a medical condition.
• Campers are required to wear face coverings when they are indoors. Campers may remove their face coverings
when they are outdoors and are able to social distance. Exceptions will be made for anyone with
documentation, as outlined by State regulations, that wearing a face covering would be contrary to his or her
health or safety because of a medical condition.
• Staff will teach and enforce good hand and respiratory hygiene and social distancing.
• Increased vigilance will be given to our already thorough cleaning and disinfecting procedures.
• Most full day camps will conduct a field trip that requires transportation to a local estuary, campers will socially
distance on the bus. We will also take advantage of a wealth of outdoor exhibits and natural areas that exist in
and directly around the Aquarium which will allow our campers to socially distance.
• As much as possible, camps will take advantage of private time at the Aquarium, prior to opening for the public,
to visit exhibits.
CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES AND LOCATIONS
• Check-in and pick-up of campers will occur at the Milne Ocean Science and Conservation Center, located at the
eastern end of the Mystic Aquarium campus, except for Mystic River Adventure, Marine Animals and Their
Environment and Environmental Conservation Camp.
• Medications for any camper will be turned in to the Camp Director on Monday morning prior to check-in.
• You will need to park in the parking lot for all check-in and pick-up times. Please plan accordingly.
• At check-in, you will be asked to indicate a phone number at which to reach you for that day on the sign in
sheet, and who we should expect to sign out your camper at pick-up.
• Once a camper is checked-in, they will be asked to join the group. To minimize stress for all campers, parents
will check-in their camper and will not follow the camp to the classroom or morning activity. If you are
concerned about this procedure, please contact the Camp Director prior to the first day of camp.
• All adults need to show identification at pick-up to be able to sign their camper out from camp each day. We will
not allow any adult other than those listed on the sign out sheet to pick up your child unless a previous
arrangement has been made. If there is an emergency and an adult not on the pick-up list is sent to pick up a
camper, the Camp Director will call the parents to verify permission.
• For any adult who is not on the approved pick-up list submitted prior to camp who will be picking up a camper;
provide a note stating: the date, unlisted adult’s name, camper’s name, and your signature. This must be given
to the Camp Director at morning drop off. Contact the Camp Director to add more people to your list.
• No one under the age of 18 will be allowed to check-in or pick-up a camper.
• For the safety of your camper, they must be signed in and out each day. If this is not possible, please contact the
Camp Director prior to camp starting to discuss your options.
EMERGENCY PICK-UP DUE TO AQUARIUM EVACUATION
If the camp programs being held at Mystic Aquarium must evacuate the facility, the instructors will bring the campers to
the Mystic Hilton located across the road from the aquarium. Parents will then be called to pick up their campers. We
will call the phone number provided to us during the morning check-in first.
Mystic Hilton address for your GPS is: 20 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355
7WHAT CAMPS and PROGRAMS ARE WE OFFERING?
Traditional Camps:
These camps are held solely at the Mystic Aquarium and will include one field trip to Bluff Point State Park. Aquarium
Fun will not have a field trip to Bluff Point. Check-in and pick-up will be at the Milne Center, Mystic Aquarium each day.
Entering Grade Level Camps Involved
PreK-K Marine Mammal Mania, Water World, Shark Club
Grades 1-3 Eco Heroes, Fishy Science and Art, Aquarium Fun, Animal Antics
Grades 4-6 Eco Heroes, Fishy Science and Art, Aquarium Fun, Animal Antics
Grades 7-10 Marine Bio 101
Extended Day for Traditional Camps:
Extended Day is offered each camp day, 4:00pm-5:00pm for the following traditional camps: Eco Heroes, Fishy Science
and Art, Aquarium Fun, Animal Antics. There is an additional fee and campers must be registered in advance. This
program will only run if 3 campers or more are signed up to attend for the week. Families will be notified in advance if
the program will not run.
Partner Camps:
These camps are held jointly with either the Mystic Seaport Museum or Project Oceanology at Avery Point. They do not
have a field trip and check-in and pick-up differs from our traditional camps.
Mystic River Adventure campers will have check-in at the Milne Center each morning. Pick-up will be at the Mystic
Seaport Museum each afternoon.
Marine Animals and Their Environment campers will have check-in and pick-up Monday thru Wednesday at the Milne
Center, Mystic Aquarium. Campers will have check-in and pick-up Thursday and Friday at Project Oceanology, Avery
Point.
Environmental Conservation Camp campers will have check-in and pick-up Monday thru Wednesday at Project
Oceanology, Avery Point. Campers will have check-in and pick-up Thursday and Friday at the Milne Center, Mystic
Aquarium.
Entering Grade Level Camps Involved
Grades 4-6 Mystic River Adventure, Marine Animals and Their Environment
Grades 7-10 Environmental Conservation
Family Programs:
These programs involve a youth camper as well as an adult caregiver. Most of these programs are held solely at the
Mystic Aquarium. Check-in will be at the Milne Center, Mystic Aquarium each day.
Animal Spotlight participants will check-in each week at the Milne Center, Mystic Aquarium.
Sharks and Minnows participants will check-in each day at the Milne Center, Mystic Aquarium.
Seals and Pups participants will check-in each day at the Milne Center, Mystic Aquarium.
Sail Away participants will check-in each day at the Milne Center, Mystic Aquarium. Participants will then travel to the
Mystic Seaport Museum for the second half of their program each day.
Entering Grade Level Programs Involved
Toddlers Animal Spotlight
PreK-K Sharks and Minnows
Grades 1-3 Seals and Pups
Grades 4-6 Sail Away
8CAMP SESSIONS BY WEEK
Animal
Spotlight Entering
Family Camps Entering Entering Entering Paperwork
Camp Toddler Grade
PreK-K, Grades PreK-K Grade Grades final due
Dates & 4-6
1-3, Grades 4-6 Camps 1-3 7-10 date
Caregive
r
June Marine
20 – 24 Mammal Eco Heroes Eco Heroes June 13
Mania
Wed
Fishy Science
June 27 1 of 4 Mystic River
and Art June 20
- July 1 Jun 29 Adventure
Penguins
Wed
Aquarium Aquarium
July 2 of 4
Fun Fun June 29
6–8 Jul 6
Wed-Fri Wed-Fri
Sharks
Wed
July 3 of 4 Water Animal Animal
Marine Bio 101 July 4
11-15 Jul 13 World Antics Antics
Seals
Wed Sharks and
July Final Minnows
Eco Heroes Eco Heroes July 11
18-22 Jul 20 (PreK-K &
Beach Caregiver)
Mon Marine
Environmental
July 1 of 4 Shark Fishy Science Animals &
Conservation July 18
25-29 Jul 25 Club and Art Their
Camp
Whales Environment
Mon
Sail Away Marine
Aug 2 of 4 Animal Animal
(Grades 4-6 & Mammal July 25
1-5 Aug 1 Antics Antics
Caregiver Mania
Crabs
Mon
Aug 3 of 4 Water
Eco Heroes Eco Heroes Marine Bio 101 Aug 1
8-12 Aug 8 World
Turtles
Mon
Seals and Pups
Aug Final Animal Mystic River
(Grades 1-3 & Aug 8
15-19 Aug 15 Antics Adventure
Caregiver)
Beach
Aug Fishy Science
Fishy Science
22-26 and Art Aug 15
and Art
9Animal Spotlight Topics – Toddler/Caregiver Program
Session 1 Wednesday Animal Spotlight:
Topics: Penguins, Sharks, Seals, and a Day at the Beach
Session 2 Monday Animal Spotlight:
Topics: Whales, Crabs, Sea Turtles, and a Day at the Beach
Day at the Beach will be held at Bluff Point if weather and circumstances allow.
WHAT WILL MY CAMPER NEED TO BRING?
❖ Every day, your camper will need appropriate clothing; closed toe shoes which can get wet, a change of clothing
in case your camper may need them, a water bottle, lunch, and snacks for a full day camp. Half day camps will
only need snacks. Please check your itinerary to see if you need anything special.
❖ Hiking and field trip to Bluff Point days: Your camper will need appropriate clothing; closed toe shoes which can
get wet, a change of clothing in case your camper may need them, a water bottle, sunscreen, bug repellant,
lunch, and snacks.
❖ Please apply sunscreen and bug repellant prior to dropping your camper off.
❖ Camper lunch containers must include a cold pack to keep perishable items cool.
❖ Full day camp campers will be given a camp hat on their first day of camp. At the end of each day hats will be
placed on a table until the next day; no hats will be stacked or stored touching each other. The hat will remain at
the aquarium until the last day of camp, when it is sent home with the camper. This does not apply to Family
programs.
❖ Please do not send your camper with electronics, cell phones, personal sports equipment, plastic straws, live
animals, or toys to camp. If they must bring any of these items, they will be requested to keep them in their
bags.
❖ Please do not send anything that could possibly be viewed as a weapon. Absolutely no weapons of any type will
be allowed. Mystic Aquarium summer camp has a zero-tolerance policy regarding weapons.
❖ Caregivers attending the Family Programs should consider the activities and plan accordingly as far as clothing is
concerned. We request that you keep your phone at a minimum level of volume to prevent too many
interruptions from happening.
❖ Campers attending joint camps at the Mystic Seaport and Project Oceanology should be sure to wear
clothes/shoes that can get wet, have a change of clothes/shoes, hat, towel, and a bag for wet items.
ADDRESSES OF CAMP INVOLVED PROPERTIES
Mystic Aquarium Mystic Seaport Museum Project Oceanology
55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT 1084 Shennecossett Rd #1, Groton, CT
06355 06355 06340
Bluff Point State Park Mystic Hilton
55 Depot Rd, Groton, CT 06340 20 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT
06355
10SEE BELOW FOR INFORMATION ABOUT TIMES AND LOCATION OF CHECK-IN AND PICK-UP FOR EACH CAMP:
Grade Level Program/Camp Days of the Week Check-In Time & Pick-Up Time & Extended
& Hours Location Location Day
Monday or 12:45pm
Family Program Animal Spotlight
Wednesday Milne Center
Toddlers & Care Monday or N/A N/A
1:00-2:00pm Mystic Aquarium
Givers Wednesday
Weeks 1-3
Monday or 12:45pm
Family Program Animal Spotlight
Wednesday Bluff Point State Park
Toddlers & Care Monday or N/A N/A
1:00-2:00pm Groton, CT
Givers Wednesday
Week 4
Family Programs
Entering PK-K and Sharks and 8:45am
Monday-Friday
their Caregiver, Minnows, Seals Milne Center N/A N/A
9:00am-12:00pm
Entering Grade 1-3, and Pups Mystic Aquarium
and their Caregiver
Family Program 8:45am
Monday-Friday
Entering Grade 4-6 Sail Away Milne Center N/A N/A
9:00am-4:00pm
and their Caregiver Mystic Aquarium
Marine Mammal 8:45am 12:00pm
Traditional Camp Monday-Friday
Mania, Shark Club, Milne Center Milne Center N/A
Entering PreK – K 9:00am-12:00pm
Water World Mystic Aquarium Mystic Aquarium
8:45am 4:00pm 5:00pm
Traditional Camp
Wednesday-Friday Milne Center Milne Center Milne Center
Entering Aquarium Fun
9:00am-4:00pm Mystic Aquarium Mystic Aquarium Mystic
Grade 1-6
Aquarium
8:45am 4:00pm 5:00pm
Traditional Camp
Eco Heroes, Fishy Monday-Friday Milne Center Milne Center Milne Center
Entering
Science and Art, 9:00am-4:00pm Mystic Aquarium Mystic Aquarium Mystic
Grade 1-6
Animal Antics Aquarium
8:45am 4:00pm
Traditional Camp
Monday-Friday Milne Center Milne Center
Entering Marine Bio 101 N/A
9:00am-4:00pm Mystic Aquarium Mystic Aquarium
Grade 7-10
Partner Camp 8:45am 4:00pm
Mystic River Monday-Friday
Entering Milne Center Mystic Seaport N/A
Adventure 9:00am-4:00pm
Grade 4-6 Mystic Aquarium Museum
Monday-Wednesday Mon-Wed
8:45am 4:00pm
Milne Center Milne Center
Partner Camp Marine Animals
Monday-Friday Mystic Aquarium Mystic Aquarium
Entering and Their N/A
9:00am-4:00pm Thursday-Friday Thurs-Fri
Grade 4-6 Environment
8:45am 4:00pm
Project Oceanology Project
Oceanology
Monday-Wednesday Mon-Wed
8:45am 4:00pm
Project Oceanology Project
Partner Camp
Environmental Monday-Friday Thursday-Friday Oceanology
Entering N/A
Conservation Camp 9:00am-4:00pm 8:45am Thurs-Fri
Grade 7-10
Milne Center 4:00pm
Mystic Aquarium Milne Center
Mystic Aquarium
11DISCIPLINE POLICY
You are required to initial that you have read and understand our policy on the camp forms.
Take note what is considered as acceptable behavior and explain it to your camper so that our camps will be enjoyed
by all.
Children attending Summer Camp at the Mystic Aquarium are expected to:
• Be responsible for their actions
• Respect each other and the environment
• Respect the rights and dignity of all fellow campers and staff
• Base all interactions on honesty
• Care for themselves and others around them
• Make appropriate choices for themselves
Behavior considered to be unacceptable includes the following:
• Endangering the health and/or safety of a child, staff member, volunteer, intern, or animal
• Entering a building, enclosure, or fenced area without permission
• Leaving the program area without permission
• Continuing to disrupt the program in any way
• The use of profanity, vulgar or obscene words and gestures
• Possession of a weapon
• Stealing or damaging property
• Inappropriate touching of themselves or another child
• We have a zero tolerance for bullying, humiliating, or degrading. Any camper who is witnessed by staff bullying,
humiliating, or degrading another camper during camp will be immediately expelled from camp.
• We have a zero tolerance for violence. Any camper who is witnessed by staff purposefully hitting, kicking, or
causing injury with the intent to harm another camper or staff member during camp will be immediately
expelled from camp.
• We are all aware of sibling interactions; please note that to be fair to every camper, siblings are expected to
adhere to our rules when in camp together.
• Any action which may make another camper uncomfortable
The following steps will be taken if an unacceptable choice has been made:
1. All unacceptable choices will be documented on a discipline sheet, including all staff behavior re-directions,
discussions with parents, and discussions with the Camp Director.
2. Initially, staff will give a verbal reminder and redirect the camper to a more appropriate behavior.
3. If there is a second incidence of unacceptable behavior, staff will have a private discussion with the camper
about the behavior within the sight of another staff. Staff will document the situation to include the problem,
possible cause of the problem, and any corrective measures taken. Camp Director will be notified.
4. If unacceptable behavior persists, the guardian will be notified at the end of the day, or sooner if necessary. Staff
and Camp Director will ask for input from the guardian regarding the behavior. Staff and Camp Director will
check back with the guardian at the end of the following day to report on behavior.
5. If unacceptable behavior persists, or becomes excessive, and the child continues to disrupt the camp program,
the Camp Director reserves the right to suspend the child from the program for a period which will depend upon
the severity of the issue.
6. If a child’s behavior threatens the immediate safety of the individual, other children, or staff, the guardian will
be contacted and expected to pick up the child immediately.
7. Expulsion from the program will be considered by the Camp Director on a case-by-case basis. There will be no
refund offered for an expelled camper.
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